Northumberland County Council's environmental and climate fund has awarded £55,000 in support of 17 community-led environmental initiatives in the area.

The funds back a diverse array of projects, designed to address a host of environmental issues.

These range from reducing emissions to encouraging sustainable transport, improving building energy efficiency, and updating waste solutions to emphasise reducing, reusing, and recycling.

All of the selected projects attest to the council’s dedication towards grassroots endeavours that aim to mitigate climate change and endorse sustainable living.

Glen Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council and cabinet member for climate change, said: "I’m very proud to see the number of exceptional projects come through our Northumberland Climate and Environment Fund.

"These initiatives demonstrate the passion and dedication of our local communities to enhance the county’s natural environment and combat climate change to create a more resilient and sustainable future for Northumberland.

"I look forward to seeing these projects come to life."

The fund aligns with the Council's recently adopted Environment Policy Statement, emphasising the commitment to environmental initiatives, the importance of public awareness, and the need for active involvement from individuals, communities, and businesses alike.

Among the Tyndale projects rewarded were the Transition Tynedale’s voluntary repair café in Hexham, which will fix household items, and the Cycle 4 Everyone initiative that focuses on bike repair and recycling.

The Fishers Arms Community Pub project will see loft insulation made from sheep wool, which is carbon-neutral and requires low energy to produce.

The Haltwhistle Partnership also received support to replace light fittings with LED light bulbs and modernise electric heaters with energy-efficient alternatives.

Acomb Parish Council was successful with their proposal, the Acomb community solar project.

Other projects included Sycamore Gap Net Zero which will hire two organisers and an administrator to deliver net zero events in Hexham, and Holy Island village hall which will support the use of batteries at the building.

In Tyndale, community groups took significant strides in creating environmental initiatives, fostering local engagement, and demonstrating that climate action starts at home.

The 17 projects which have received funding were chosen from a shortlist of 35 applications.